FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Helsinki

Here are some of most frequently asked questions about Helsinki. If you can’t find an answer to your question, don’t hesitate to contact us!

General

Where is the lost & found bureau in Helsinki?

You can inquire about your lost property after 3 pm on the working day after loosing it. Suomen Löytötavarapalvelu keeps lost items in storage for three months and the cost of the service depends on the value of the lost item.

Helsinki is in general a safe city even during night time, but as in any bigger city, you should pay attention to your surroundings: avoid dark alley ways, suspicious people and walking alone (especially if drunk). Stay in well lighted areas, avoid quiet, dark parks and don’t talk to strangers. The Main Railway Station area can be restless during weekend nights.

Is drinking alcohol in public legal in Helsinki?

According to the The general Public Order Act, using intoxicating substances in public places in built-up areas and on public transport is forbidden. The ban on drinking alcohol does not apply to places where alcohol can be served in accordance with a special licence or notification, or to the inside of a vehicle in private use.

Furthermore, the ban on drinking alcohol does not apply to drinking alcohol in a park or any other similar public place. However drinking alcohol and related sojourn and behaviour may not unduly hamper other people’s right to use the place for its actual purpose.

Free wireless internet (Wi-Fi) connection in Helsinki?

The City of Helsinki Wireless Internet is available in Helsinki City Hall, Katajanokka Guest Harbour and Lasipalatsi Film and Media Centre. The Helsinki City Tourist Office and Helsinki Info Jugendsali at Pohjoisesplanadi 19 also have WLAN connections. Guest passwords are available from the service desk.

Free WLAN connections are also available in:

Central Railway Station Square

Kamppi Centre (Narinkkatori Square)

Flower market around Havis Amanda statue, Market Square

Park of Hakasalmi Villa, Karamzininkatu 2

The City Library has WLAN network in several libraries. Guest passwords are available from the service desk.

Many restaurants, bars and cafés, fast food outlets, shopping centres and hotels also offer WLAN connections for use by customers either free of charge or for a small fee.

What is the population of Helsinki?

The population of the city of Helsinki is 588,941 (31 January 2011). It’s the biggest city in Finland.

How much tip should you leave in Finland?

Tipping doesn’t belong into the Finnish culture. It’s okay, if you want to pay extra for an excellent service or thank the bar tender by dropping a few coins into their tip jar, but Finnish people themselves never tip in bars or restaurants.

Sightseeing

Can you see Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) or similar effect from Helsinki?

In theory yes. There has been sightings of Northern Lights in Helsinki, although it’s very rare and you shouldn’t expect to see them on your visit. It’s a better idea to travel to Lapland, where the odds of seeing Northern Lights are much greater.

Shopping

Where are the second hand shops in Helsinki?

The best known second hand shop in Finland, the UFF, has seven stores located in Helsinki. Closest one to the center is in Fredrikinkatu. Other second hand shops include Kierrätyskeskus (re-use center), which has three stores, one is conviniently located in Sanomatalo, right next to the Main Railway Station.

Nowadays you can buy a great variety of manga books in big book stores such as Suomalainen kirjakauppa and Akateeminen kirjakauppa. There are also some comic book shops like Good Fellows and Fantasiapelit, which is a shop selling all kinds of roleplaying/gaming related products (including manga and anime stuff).

Suomalainen Kirjakauppa

Aleksanterinkatu 23, 00100 Helsinki

Akateeminen Kirjakauppa

Pohjoisesplanadi 39, 00130 Helsinki

tel. 09 1214203

The Good FellowsFredrikinkatu 38, 00100 Helsinkitel. 09 6949864

FantasiapelitVilhonkatu 4 B, 00100 Helsinkitel. 09 650 803

Weather

What are the monthly average temperatures in Helsinki?

Weather in Helsinki

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